The Tulpehocken Creek is an excellent trout stream, but it’s not in the same mold as most other great Pennsylvania streams. It originates at the spillway of the large Blue Marsh reservoir just northwest of Reading. It is a tailwater stream, but Blue Marsh drains from the top, so the water is not as cool as it would be from a bottom-drained dam. Nevertheless, the dam does provide a moderating effect on the temperature and provides much-needed cool flow in the summer. The first 3.8 miles of the “Tulpy” below the dam are under special regulations and terrific water for fly fishing. The Tulpy is a generously wide steam, with lots of riffles and pockets to try. It is also one of the most wading-friendly streams you’ll encounter. This stream has good sulphur and trico hatches, and good caddis hatches in season. There is plenty of good parking at the “stilling basin” marked by the waypoint. A good shop is Tulpehocken Creek Outfitters.